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I’ve just heard that today, 4th February 2010, is a momentous day! My 7yr 9mth old grand-daughter has walked to school on her own for the very first time.

I have to admit that when my daughter told me, I got a sinking feeling in my stomach. I can’t explain it, instead of applauding Mods newly found independence, my mind raced through all the things that could go wrong. What if she got distracted and ran into the road? What if she was led astray by some undesirable person?

Too ridiculous! it’s not far to school, many parents walk the same way and there’s only one road to cross which has a light controlled crossing. She asked to go on her own and a couple of children in her class who live on the same street have been walking on their own for some time. I know my daughter had some misgivings but Mods is a very sensible little girl and was so pleased to be allowed to do it, she went skipping down the street with a big grin on her face.

As parents our job is to bring up children to develop their independence as they grow into adulthood but as each stage is reached it means you are no longer in control; you have to come to terms with not being able to protect them all the time and they will begin to have a life that you know nothing about.

So on reflection, I think my initial reaction was really sadness that she is growing up and is no longer a baby. I didn’t experience this with my, now 17yr old, grandson since his primary school wasn’t within walking distance but last week had to come to terms with his rapidly approaching adulthood when he passed his driving test.

So parent or grandparent it makes no difference, the feeling of having to let go is the same.